Through research funding from the Ontario Ministry of Labour, we can offer subsidized training for workers in small, under-resourced healthcare workplaces* across Ontario. We will be offering 8 training programs over the next two years, and evaluating the impact. Through this subsidy small healthcare workplaces receive 50% off Registration. – If you are a small healthcare workplace (100 employees or less), enter "SmallBusiness" in the Coupon Code section upon check out. The coupon will apply a 50% discount.

This 2-day workplace mental health training course is designed specifically for healthcare workers, and is led by trained healthcare employees with mental health experience. This evidence-based course is designed to engage healthcare employees in a dialogue regarding mental health issues at work, and how to identify and support workers who are struggling. The program combines information sharing and skill development with strategies for stigma reduction.

Evidence for effectiveness of the program is supported by a two-year clinical trial conducted with 189 healthcare workers (comparing Beyond Silence with MHFA) demonstrating significant changes in mental health knowledge and beliefs: 1. Feedback from program participants supported the added value of the Beyond Silence program attributed to the specific focus on healthcare work, peer leaders, and the opportunity for dialogue and skill development 2. The program has been adapted for smaller, under-resourced organizations and we will be gathering input from participants as part of our ongoing research.

Day 1 focuses on exploring the value of addressing workplace mental health in healthcare organizations, including a dialogue about workplace mental health experiences and psychological health and safety. Topics include the mental health continuum, the impact of stress, how mental illness may appear at work and how and when to support someone who is struggling.

Day 2 focuses on exploring evidence-based approaches and mental health resources, as well as how to match resources to a person’s unique needs. Participants will create an action plan for their own workplace and consider how to apply their knowledge as a mental health champion.

Follow-up Support – All participants who complete the program will be eligible to take part in an online community of practice and monthly WebEx sessions to support ongoing learning and implementation.
In order to evaluate the program, participants will be asked to complete pre, post and follow-up questionnaires. The procedures for data collection and evaluation have been approved by the Hamilton Integrated Research Ethics Board. If you have any questions about the project, please contact: Lisa Wolfe, Project Coordinator wolfel@mcmaster.ca

A 2-year grant through the Ontario Ministry of Labour - Occupational Health and Safety Prevention and Innovation program will offset training costs for employees in small healthcare workplaces. Our focus is on improving OHS outcomes in small, under-resourced healthcare workplaces in Ontario (eg. long-term care or group homes, family health teams, paramedics, rural or remote hospitals, community-based services).

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